Rupert was our first Cavalier: he has always been sensitive around the head and neck. If a stranger fusses him in that area he will often cry out. Sometimes he also does this with people he knows well, especially if he becomes excited. His front legs are also sensitive and he is reluctant to be groomed in that area.
His first episode of neck pain was February 2000. He was obviously in pain as he would not pick up a biscuit off the floor, and would scream if you picked him up. Our vet treated him with pain killers and we made him a collar from a woollen jumper sleeve to keep his neck warm. After a while he recovered, but had another episode in April 2001. Our vet produced a clipping called "Squeakers and Squealers" describing a syndrome in Cavaliers which seemed to fit Rupert's symptoms. We were unable to find any more information until the vet gave us Holly's web site address . From Rupert's clinical signs and the stories on the web site, our vet believed this to be the most likely explanation of Rupert's problems. However, following further discussion with him we felt that it was not appropriate at that time to have an MRI scan done as Rupert was not too severely affected.
In July 2003 Rupert had another bad episode of neck pain prior to which he had been intermittently crying out for a couple of weeks for no apparent reason. He does not "scratch", but is very sensitive particularly when moulting when he worries and chews at his coat, much more so than other Cavaliers we have owned. We have raised both his food and water bowl and now use a harness rather than a collar. Following that episode we tried treating him homoeopathically and this seemed to help him.
In May 2004, Rupert had his worst episode to date. It started just like earlier episodes and one day he refused to jump off the bed in the morning. When I lifted him down he cried out. In the kitchen he just sat down and started screaming. He is totally deaf so to comfort him we stroke and cuddle him. On this occasion touching him anywhere on his body made him scream all the more which was very frightening. When we took him to see our vet Rupert perked up seeming to understand that help was coming and he stopped screaming. The vet checked him over but could find nothing else which might be causing Rupert's pain.
Despite being eight, he showed no symptoms of a heart murmur. Metacam (a NSAID) was prescribed for nine days and after a couple of weeks on this and his homeopathic treatment he returned to being our bouncy, waggy-tailed boy. It seems likely that Rupert is one of the known group of dogs who periodically experience infrequent but acute episodes of pain.
Rupert's Symptoms:
- He does not do the distinctive Syringomyelia scratching {which is generally in the air with no skin contact}
- Pain - cries out when touched or for no apparent reason; when picked up {during a pain episode. In the severe episode, we couldn't touch any part of his body}
- Pushes {mushes} face into carpet - both sides, slides face along floor.
- Intolerance of grooming - front legs, neck and shoulder region.
- Seeks heat sources - sits right up against the Rayburn
- Licks paws and lips {smacks lips} excessively
- Excessive tearing from eyes and formation of plaque on teeth - since May 2004
- Haunted look in his eyes, and ears are held lower and back.
- Occasionally he has a slight loss of balance, but corrects himself and doesn't fall.
- Mild {focal} seizures.
- Subsequent to a really bad pain episode 05/04, Rupert developed difficulties with walking. His rear right leg turned inwards, after about ½ to ¾ mile. He was only managing about 1 mile {we discussed a cart with our conventional vet, but felt that if he was managing at least 1 mile, that he was ok. If it drops to less than that, we would reconsider.} He has improved since but when he's had enough, he just stops, or comes and stands next to the wheelchair to be picked up. He will ride on my lap for a while, and then continues his walk. He will sometimes run, but usually wants to be picked up to ride straight afterwards.
- Seizures - started 05/04. 1-2 times per month. His head and the whole of his front {including legs} will tremble, for 10 to 15 seconds, whilst he is standing. He recovers immediately with no after effects, no loss of bladder or bowel control, he remains conscious throughout - he just has a vacant expression. Sometimes his eyes flicker. At other times his head is just nodding. If lying down, sometimes appears to be rocking. He has no control over these movements.
- Occasionally he has severe shivers down spine and rear leg trembling {longer episodes, up to 30 seconds} - these appear to affect him more, he wants to be comforted afterwards. I have recently learnt to touch/hold him during these episodes, which brings him around almost immediately. I also give him ice cream straight afterwards; sometimes this seems to prevent further episodes.
Sadly Rupert was attacked and pinned to the floor by a Border Collie in December 2004, no physical damage but he was very shocked. Subsequent to this episode, his seizures increased to 2 to 3 every evening. Over a period of 10 days in January 2005, on three days he had repeated seizures throughout the day and evening. Rupert started a one month course of Medrone {Methylprednisolone}, a steroid, in January. His seizures reduced to only one and/or a "noddy" head episode each day, and one totally seizure-free day! He is able to better tolerate grooming. I am currently investigating homoeopathic remedies for seizures, as I am worried about the long term side effects of steroids.
Despite his problems and our worries about him we feel fortunate to have Rupert who seems to be relatively mildly affected and is otherwise a happy, joyful boy.